The journey to pregnancy looks different for everyone. For some, it happens quickly; for others, it takes more time and support. This page brings together answers to the most frequently asked questions about trying to conceive - from what infertility means and what causes it, to the treatments available and when to seek help.
What is infertility and how is it defined?
Infertility is a term that gets thrown around a lot, but what does it really mean? It's a question that is more common than you might think, and we're here to shed some light on it.
According to WHO, infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sex. But it's so much more than just a clinical definition. It's an experience that can be fraught with emotion, frustration, and sometimes, heartache. But remember, it's also an experience you don't have to face alone.
Often, when we think of infertility, we think it's a woman's issue. But that's not the case. Both men and women can experience infertility for various reasons. It could be due to issues with sperm production in men or problems with ovulation in women. In some cases, it could be a combination of factors from both partners or, frustratingly, no identifiable cause at all.
Infertility doesn't mean that becoming a parent is out of reach. There are various treatments available, like IVF, IUI, fertility medications, and more. Plus, lifestyle changes can make a big difference, too! Sometimes it's the small things - a tweak to your diet, managing stress differently, or even trying alternative therapies like acupuncture - that can make a surprising impact.
When should you see a doctor about fertility problems?
You should talk to your doctor about your fertility if:
- You are younger than 35 and have not been able to conceive after one year of frequent sex without birth control.
- You are age 35 or older and have not been able to conceive after six months of frequent sex without birth control.
- You believe you or your partner might have fertility problems in the future (even before you begin trying to get pregnant).
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You or your partner has a problem with sexual function or libido.
Happily, doctors are able to help many infertile couples go on to have babies.
What causes infertility in women and men?
What causes infertility in women?
Age – Women generally have some decrease in fertility starting in their early 30s. And while many women in their 30s and 40s have no problems getting pregnant, fertility especially declines after age 35. As a woman ages, normal changes that occur in her ovaries and eggs make it harder to become pregnant. Even though menstrual cycles continue to be regular in a woman's 30s and 40s, the eggs that ovulate each month are of poorer quality than those from her 20s. It is harder to get pregnant when the eggs are poorer in quality. As a woman nears menopause, the ovaries may not release an egg each month, which can also make it harder to get pregnant. Also, as a woman and her eggs age, she is more likely to miscarry, as well as have a baby with genetic problems, such as Down syndrome.
Health problems – Some women have diseases or conditions that affect their hormone levels, which can cause infertility.
- Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rarely or never ovulate. Failure to ovulate is the most common cause of infertility in women.
- With primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), a woman's ovaries stop working normally before she is 40. It is not the same as early menopause. Some women with POI get a period now and then. But getting pregnant is hard for women with POI.
- A condition called luteal phase defect (LPD) is a failure of the uterine lining to be fully prepared for pregnancy. This can keep a fertilized egg from implanting or result in miscarriage.
Common problems with a woman's reproductive organs, like uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease can worsen with age and also affect fertility. These conditions might cause the fallopian tubes to be blocked, so the egg can't travel through the tubes into the uterus.
Lifestyle factors – Certain lifestyle factors also can have a negative effect on a woman's fertility. Examples include smoking, alcohol use, weighing much more or much less than ideal body weight, a lot of strenuous exercises, and having an eating disorder. Stress can also affect fertility.
What causes infertility in men?
Unlike women, some men remain fertile into their 60s and 70s. But as men age, they might begin to have problems with the shape and movement of their sperm. They also have a slightly higher risk of sperm gene defects. Or they might produce no sperm or too few sperm. Lifestyle choices also can affect the number and quality of a man's sperm. Alcohol and drugs can temporarily reduce sperm quality. And researchers are looking at whether environmental toxins, such as pesticides and lead, also may be to blame for some cases of infertility. Men also can have health problems that affect their sexual and reproductive function. These can include sexually transmitted infections (STIs), diabetes, surgery on the prostate gland, or a severe testicle injury or problem.
What are the treatment options for infertility?
Some treatments include:
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Drugs – Various fertility drugs may be used for women with ovulation problems. It is important to talk with your doctor about the drug to be used. You should understand the drug's benefits and side effects. Depending on the type of fertility drug and the dosage of the drug used, multiple births (such as twins) can occur.
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Surgery – Surgery is done to repair damage to a woman's ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus. Sometimes a man has an infertility problem that can be corrected by surgery.
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Intrauterine insemination (IUI), also called artificial insemination – Male sperm is injected into a part of the woman's reproductive tract, such as into the uterus or fallopian tube. IUI often is used along with drugs that cause a woman to ovulate.
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Assisted reproductive technology (ART) – ART involves stimulating a woman's ovaries; removing eggs from her body; mixing them with sperm in the laboratory; and putting the embryos back into a woman's body. Success rates of ART vary and depend on many factors.
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Third-party assistance – Options include donor eggs (eggs from another woman are used), donor sperm (sperm from another man are used), or surrogacy (when another woman carries a baby for you).
Finding the cause of infertility is often a long, complex, and emotional process. And treatment can be expensive. Many health insurance companies do not provide coverage for infertility or provide only limited coverage. Check your health insurance contract carefully to learn about what is covered. Some states have laws that mandate health insurance policies to provide infertility coverage.
What options do infertile couples have?
If you are having fertility issues, your doctor can refer you to a fertility specialist, a doctor who treats infertility. The doctor will need to test both you and your partner to find out what the problem is. Depending on the problem, your doctor might recommend treatment. About 9 in 10 cases of infertility are treated with medication or surgery. Don't delay seeing your doctor, as age also affects the success rates of these treatments. For some couples, adoption or foster care offers a way to share their love with a child and to build a family.
At Lola&Lykke, we know that every couple's journey to parenthood is unique - that's what makes it so special. But when you're facing infertility, it can sometimes feel like you're lost without a map. Don't worry, we're here to help guide you through.
Infertility can seem like a massive hurdle, but there are many paths that can lead to parenthood. It's not just about IVF or adoption; there are so many other routes you can take. You might have heard about treatments like Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). Maybe you're considering fertility medications like Clomiphene or Letrozole. For others, surrogacy or egg, sperm, or embryo donation could be the perfect fit.
But it's not all about medical treatments. You might be surprised to know how much lifestyle changes, like acupuncture, diet adjustments, or stress management, can enhance fertility.
We understand, it's a lot to take in. And this journey isn't just about physical treatments - it's about emotional well-being too. Feeling connected and understood can be a real lifeline when you're dealing with infertility. That's why we've created a special “trying to conceive” category on our Lola&Lykke blog. Here, you can connect with others going through the same experiences and find comfort in shared stories and insights. And if you need professional advice, our Health Experts are also here to answer any questions you might have for free.
We get it, the road to becoming a parent might seem winding and bumpy. That's okay. Take all the time you need to explore your options, seek out the advice you need, and decide what's right for you and your partner. You're not alone on this journey, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
